(19)
(11)EP 3 441 123 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
24.06.2020 Bulletin 2020/26

(21)Application number: 17186061.2

(22)Date of filing:  11.08.2017
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B01D 35/30(2006.01)
B01D 27/08(2006.01)

(54)

A SPIN-ON FLUID TREATMENT DEVICE AND METHODS

VORRICHTUNG UND VERFAHREN ZUR SPIN-ON-FLUIDBEHANDLUNG

DISPOSITIF DE TRAITEMENT DE FLUIDE AMOVIBLE ET PROCÉ?DÉ?S


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(43)Date of publication of application:
13.02.2019 Bulletin 2019/07

(73)Proprietor: Donaldson Company, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN 55440-1299 (US)

(72)Inventor:
  • WILLEMS, Gert
    B-3012 Wilsele (BE)

(74)Representative: Beck, Michaël Andries T. 
IPLodge bvba Technologielaan 9
3001 Heverlee
3001 Heverlee (BE)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 0 925 815
US-A1- 2013 043 181
WO-A2-2007/067791
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Technical Field



    [0001] The present disclosure pertains to fluid treatment systems, in particular replaceable spin-on filters for filtering liquids such as fuel, oil, other engine fluids, hydraulic fluids, and the like.

    Background



    [0002] A filter of the spin-on type typically has a central orifice in its top surface, provided with a metal inner thread that is arranged to engage with a hollow threaded metal cylinder on the engine or machine, through which the filtered liquid is returned. If the liquid to be filtered is sufficiently viscous and the threads are produced with sufficiently low tolerances, the engaged threaded metal parts will form a sufficient seal between the clean (untreated) flow path of the fluid inside the filter housing and the dirty (treated) flow path of the fluid inside the filter housing to avoid substantial bypass of fluid from the dirty (untreated) side to the clean (treated) side without passing through the treatment medium. One or more further orifices are provided in the top surface, radially removed from the central orifice, for receiving the dirty fluid. An axial seal creates the seal between the fluid in the filter housing and the outside environment.

    [0003] Spin-on filters in the prior art include: WO 2013/188036 A1; WO 2015/156760 A1; and WO 2013/028320 A2.

    [0004] International patent application publication no. WO 2007/067791 A2 in the name of the present applicant discloses a spin-on filter cartridge including a housing, a filter element operably oriented in the housing, a baffle plate, and a seal arrangement. The baffle plate is operably oriented over the housing open end. The baffle plate defines a central flow aperture. The baffle plate defines a continuous groove immediately adjacent to and circumscribing the central flow aperture. The seal arrangement is secured to the baffle plate spaced from and circumscribing the continuous groove. In another aspect, a filter assembly includes a spin-on filter cartridge as characterized above and a filter head. The spin-on filter cartridge is removably mountable on the filter head. The filter head includes a central spud defining outer threads. An 0-ring seal member or a gasket seal member is operably oriented around the central spud. When the spin-on filter cartridge is operably oriented on the filter head, the seal member is received within the continuous groove and the seal arrangement forms a seal between and against the baffle plate and the filter head.

    [0005] European patent application publication no. EP 0925815 A1 discloses a spin-on filter including a baseplate preferably die cast from aluminium and a seaming lid (45) preferably stamped from sheet steel. The baseplate includes a hub joined to a rim by ribs. The rim includes slots that receive tabs from the stamped seaming lid to provide for torque transfer between the canister and baseplate. The baseplate provides a seat for the seaming lid interfit with the baseplate to form a outer gasket groove. The baseplate provides the groove inner wall, while the seaming lid provides the groove outer wall and base. The design in the baseplate and seaming lid provide for a groove for receiving an outer gasket and for torque transfer.

    [0006] It is a disadvantage of the known spin-on filters that any impurities that are present at the interface (and in particular on the threaded surfaces) prior to installation of the filter, may end up inside the clean side of the filter after installation and thus reach the machine or engine during operation.

    [0007] Furthermore impurities can be formed by the metal to metal thread engagement during the installation of the filter and part of these impurities might end up inside the clean side of the filter.

    [0008] Improvements over the prior art are desirable.

    Summary



    [0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a spin-on fluid treatment device, comprising a housing, a top surface, said top surface having an internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice; wherein an outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore in a concentric position, wherein a treatment medium is arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through said outlet tube; and wherein said outlet tube is provided with an externally oriented sealing portion configured for engaging with a complementary element of an inlet spud of an entity that receives said treated fluids.

    [0010] The term "radially removed" as used herein implies that the inlet orifice is located wholly outside of the internally threaded bore. The term "externally oriented" is used herein to indicate that the sealing portion operates in an upward and/or radially outward direction. The housing may be substantially cylindrical. The internally threaded bore may be centrally arranged in said top surface.

    [0011] It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the inner thread of the threaded bore of the device according to the disclosure and the outer thread of the connecting snout of the machine remain isolated from the clean side of the device during and after installation, thus avoiding the contamination of the clean side of the device by impurities present on these threaded surfaces.

    [0012] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the sealing portion has at least an axial component.

    [0013] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the sealing portion has at least a radial component.

    [0014] In a particular embodiment, the outlet tube is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, the wall of which is rounded at the open top end, and the radial component includes an outwardly oriented part of the rounded wall.

    [0015] This embodiment is particularly suited for use with an outlet tube made of metal. However, it is also possible to use other materials for the outlet tube, including plastic, zamac, or elastomers.

    [0016] In another particular embodiment, the outlet tube is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, the wall of which is tapered at the open top end so as to form a conical surface, and the radial component includes the conical surface.

    [0017] This embodiment is particularly suited for use with an outlet tube made of plastic.

    [0018] In another particular embodiment, the outlet tube is formed as a substantially frustoconical tube, and the radial component includes an outer surface of the substantially frustoconical tube.

    [0019] This embodiment is particularly suited for use with an outlet tube made of plastic.

    [0020] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, said treatment medium is arranged in a cartridge inside said housing, said cartridge being pushed towards said top surface by a resilient element.

    [0021] In a particular embodiment, the outlet tube has an ending in a shape that has no cylindrical symmetry, configured to be sealing with a corresponding shape of the complementary element.

    [0022] This solution is particularly suitable for spin-on products where a resilient element disposed between the cartridge and the housing creates the required axial force to assure a proper sealing arrangement. The cartridge can rotate within the spin-on housing as it is just pressed in between the resilient element and the top surface (baffle plate). In this way it is possible to use a non-circularly symmetric shape, e.g. an obround shape, as the cartridge with the outlet tube will orient itself automatically and still create a good seal.

    [0023] In a particular embodiment, the outlet tube is movable in an axial direction relative to the top surface.

    [0024] This solution is particularly suitable for a spin-on filter where a resilient element disposed between the cartridge and the housing creates the required axial force to assure a proper sealing arrangement. Accordingly, the outlet tube can move down inside the housing when the spin-on is being inserted.

    [0025] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the externally oriented sealing portion is positioned at least partially within the volume defined by the lower end of the threaded bore and the top surface.

    [0026] It is an advantage of this embodiment that accidental touching and contamination of the sealing portion during handling of the device can be avoided.

    [0027] In a particular embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the externally oriented sealing portion is positioned, when installed, at least partially within the volume defined by the lower end of the threaded bore and the top surface.

    [0028] In an embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure, the treatment medium is a filter medium.

    [0029] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided system comprising a machine having a treatment device head and a spin-on fluid treatment device; wherein said spin-on fluid treatment device comprises a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, said top surface having a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice, a treatment medium being arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through said outlet tube; wherein said treatment device head comprises at least one head outlet orifice configured to achieve fluid communication with the at least one inlet orifice of the spin-on treatment device and a head inlet orifice configured to achieve fluid communication with the outlet orifice of the spin-on treatment device, said head inlet orifice being provided in a snout with a threaded outer surface configured to engage with the threaded bore of the spin-on fluid treatment device; wherein an outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore in a concentric position; and wherein said outlet tube is provided with an externally oriented sealing portion, configured for engaging with a complementary element of the head inlet orifice.

    [0030] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit comprising: a spin-on fluid treatment device comprising a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, said top surface having a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice, a treatment medium being arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through an outlet orifice; and a part 102 forming an outlet tube 110 with an externally oriented sealing portion, configured for engaging with a complementary element of an inlet spud 210 of an entity that receives said treated fluids; wherein said part is adapted to be installable into said spin-on fluid treatment device such that said outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore 130 in a concentric position and in sealed fluid communication with said outlet orifice.

    [0031] An aspect of this disclosure concerns a spin-on fluid filter cartridge for threaded connection with a spud of a filter head. The filter cartridge comprises a housing having a surrounding wall, an interior volume, and a cover piece at an end of the surrounding wall and covering the interior volume; the cover piece including a central bore and an inlet arrangement radially spaced from the central bore; the central bore and the inlet arrangement being in communication with the interior volume; the central bore having internally disposed threads; the central bore being sized and configured to thread onto an externally threaded spud of a filter head. The filter cartridge further comprises an axial seal member located on an exterior of the cover piece and surrounds the inlet arrangement and is oriented to form a seal with the filter head, when the filter cartridge is operably connected to the filter head. The filter cartridge further comprises a filter element operably oriented in the interior volume of the housing. The filter element has a tubular media pack of filter media surrounding a clean fluid volume; the media pack being secured to an end cap at a first end of the element; an outlet tube axially extending away from a remaining portion of the filter element and integral with or secured to the end cap; the outlet tube being in communication with the clean fluid volume; and wherein the outlet tube forms a seal between and against the outlet tube and an internal surface of the filter head spud, when the filter cartridge is connected to the filter head.

    [0032] In some example embodiments, the seal between the outlet tube and the internal surface of the filter head spud is at least an axial seal between a free end of the outlet tube and the internal surface of the filter head. The free end can be rounded, or the free end can be tapered.

    [0033] The seal between the outlet tube and the internal surface of the filter head spud can further include a radial seal between and against an outer portion of the outlet tube and the internal surface of the filter head spud.

    [0034] In some example embodiments, the outlet tube has a frustoconical shape.

    [0035] In one or more embodiments, the radial seal is formed by an o-ring seal member projecting from the outer portion of the outlet tube.

    [0036] In examples, the filter cartridge further includes a resilient element urging the filter element toward the cover piece.

    [0037] The outlet tube can be a separate piece from a remaining part of the filter element and is sealed to the end cap.

    [0038] It should be noted that the sealing to the end cap should be sufficient to support the desired filtering efficiency; such sealing may be achieved with or without a separate sealing component such as an O-ring.

    [0039] An aspect of this disclosure includes a filter assembly comprising a filter head having an externally threaded spud; the spud having an internally directed sealing surface; a filter cartridge as variously characterized above and removably attached to the filter head, the internal threads of the central bore of the cover piece mating with the external threads of the spud. The outlet tube extends into the spud and forms a seal between and against the sealing surface of the spud and the outlet tube.

    [0040] In examples, the sealing surface of the spud includes an inwardly angled surface.

    [0041] In one or more embodiments, the sealing surface of the spud is a planar surface at a right angle to a remaining portion of the internal surface of the spud.

    [0042] In example implementations, the cover piece includes a depressed portion angled inwardly toward the filter element; and when the filter cartridge is operably connected to the filter head, the filter element is axially spaced apart from engagement with the depressed portion.

    [0043] The filter assembly can include a resilient element urging the filter element toward the cover piece.

    [0044] In some examples, an internal surface of the spud is frustoconical; and the outlet tube has a frustoconical shape.

    [0045] An aspect of this disclosure is directed to a method of mounting a spin-on filter cartridge onto a filter head. The method includes providing a filter head having an externally threaded spud; the spud having an internally directed sealing surface; providing a filter cartridge having a housing holding a filter element, the housing having a cover piece with a central bore with internally directed threads; the filter element having an outlet tube; connecting the filter cartridge to the filter head by threadably mating the internal threads of the central bore and the external threads of the spud; directing the outlet tube into the spud; and forming a seal between and against the outlet tube and an internal surface of the spud.

    [0046] The technical effects and advantages of embodiments of the system and the kit according to the present disclosure correspond, mutatis mutandis, to those of the corresponding embodiments of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure.

    Brief Description of the Figures



    [0047] These and other features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
    • Figures 1-3 illustrate the top portion of a first embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
    • Figures 4-6 illustrate the top portion of a second embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
    • Figures 7-9 illustrate the top portion of a third embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
    • Figures 10-13 illustrate the top portion of a fourth embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
    • Figures 14 and 15 are a partially cut-out perspective drawings of the top portion of a fifth embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
    • Figure 16 illustrates an adapter that may be used to obtain a system according to the present disclosure based with a spin-on fluid treatment device of the known type;
    • Figure 17 illustrates a snap-fit part that may be provided as part of a kit to produce a spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure;
    • Figure 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a filter assembly, including a filter head having an inlet tube or spud, and a filter cartridge; and
    • Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a filter cartridge including a housing, end piece, and internal filter element.


    [0048] Throughout the figures, the same numerals are used to refer to the same or functionally similar elements.

    Description of Embodiments



    [0049] The disclosure pertains to a spin-on fluid treatment device, according to claim 1, such as for example a spin-on filter, a catalyst, an air-oil separator, or a canister, for use with internal combustion engines, hydraulic machines, and other machines. The device comprises a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, which presents the orifices for interfacing with the machine. The term "top surface" is used to designate the flat top of the fluid treatment device which rests against a corresponding surface of the machine when the spin-on fluid treatment device is installed. Throughout the application, the terms "up" and "down", or "top" and "bottom", are used in accordance with the aforementioned definition of "top surface", notwithstanding the fact that certain applications may use the device in a different orientation.

    [0050] The top surface has a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, which contains the outlet orifice as described in more detail below. The top surface further presents at least one inlet orifice radially removed from the threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding the at least one inlet orifice, to ensure that fluids directed into the inlet orifice do not flow away along the side of the top surface. The axial seal may be provided close to the circumference of the top surface, and it will abut and be compressed against the corresponding surface of the machine when the threaded bore is screwed sufficiently far onto the attachment head of the machine.

    [0051] An outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore in a concentric position - the open end of the tube may be flush with the top surface, it may be sunk in relative to the top surface, or it may stick out from the top surface. The outlet tube is in fluid communication with the inside of the housing; in particular, in the case of a filter device or a catalyst, it is in fluid communication with the "clean side" of the device; without loss of generality, reference will be made to the "clean side" of the device hereinafter, when designating the portion of the device that is in fluid communication with the outlet tube. The ring-shaped space that lies inside the bore between the outlet tube and the threaded surface will receive the threaded counterpart provided on the inlet of the machine.

    [0052] The treatment medium is arranged inside the housing to treat fluids entering through the at least one inlet orifice and leaving through the outlet tube.

    [0053] The present disclosure is based inter alia on the insight of the inventor that the threaded bore and the threaded counterpart on the machine are prone to attracting or even causing impurities during handling, shipping, and servicing, and must therefore be sealed off from the clean side in an adequate manner.

    [0054] The present disclosure achieves this sealing by providing in the fluid treatment device an additional outlet tube, concentric with the threaded bore, which is provided with a sealing portion. The sealing portion is externally oriented (i.e., it is facing outwardly or upwardly relative to the outlet tube) and is configured for engaging with a complementary element of an inlet orifice of the entity that receives said treated fluids. Said inlet orifice thus includes a cylinder with an outer thread onto which the fluid treatment device can be screwed, and with an inwardly directed inner sealing surface.

    [0055] The sealing portion, which is preferably disposed in close proximity to the threaded bore, may be a sealing surface or a sealing arrangement configured for engaging with a complementary surface of the inlet orifice of an entity that receives said treated fluids.

    [0056] Preferably, the sealing portion is located between the bottom end of the thread provided on the outlet tube and the top surface of the spin-on device. When installed, the sealing portion is preferably situated in the volume above the lower end of the complementary threaded surface of the machine.

    [0057] The presence of the seals and threads thus defines two sealed interfaces:
    • The inlet interface is achieved by the at least one inlet orifice, radially removed from the threaded bore, which is sealed peripherally by the axial seal surrounding the at least one inlet orifice and centrally by the interlocking threaded surfaces.
    • The outlet interface is achieved by the outlet tube, which is sealed peripherally by the sealing surface facing outwardly and/or upwardly, which engages with the corresponding surface of the inlet orifice of the entity that receives the treated fluids.


    [0058] Figures 1-3 illustrate the top portion (including a top surface formed by a cover piece 169 seamed onto a main body 160) of a first embodiment of the spin-on fluid filter cartridge or treatment device 100 according to the present disclosure, in cross-section, in consecutive stages of engagement. Without loss of generality, the spin-on fluid treatment device 100 is illustrated as a filter device containing a filter cartridge 150; any references to a filter cartridge are not intended to limit the present disclosure to that application. The treatment device 100 removably attaches to a filter head 200 (only partially illustrated in Figures 1-3), as further explained below. The filter head 200 has a spud forming an inlet tube 210. The inlet tube 210 has an outer surface with external threads 230, and an internal surface 215/216. The internal surface 215/216 forms a sealing surface for sealing with the treatment device 100, explained below.

    [0059] The outlet tube 110 is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, preferably made of metal, the wall 115 of which is, in the embodiment of Figures 1-3, rounded at the open top end 116.

    [0060] The inlet orifices 120 are disposed around the threaded bore 130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal 125.

    [0061] The cover piece 169 further includes an inwardly angled section extending from the planar portion to a depressed portion 140. The depressed portion 140, in this embodiment, is adjacent to the central bore 130.

    [0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet orifices 120 are disposed in the inwardly angled section, which ends in the depressed portion 140 of the top surface. At the inside of the housing, the filter element containing the treatment medium (e.g., filter media 151 rests against this depressed portion 140, under the action of a resilient element (not illustrated) exerting an upward force (with reference to the elements identified in Figure 19, the resilient element would typically be a spring disposed in the housing 160 between the bottom 165 of the housing 160 and the bottom surface 155 of the filter element 150).

    [0063] In Figure 1, the threaded bore 130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210.

    [0064] In Figure 2, the threaded bore 130 is partially engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210. The wall 115 of the substantially cylindrical tube 110 may frictionally engage with the inner surface 215 of the machine's inlet tube 210, thus forming an initial radial seal 115+215. Alternatively, there may be some clearance between the wall 115 of the substantially cylindrical tube 110 and the inner surface 215 of the machine's inlet tube 210, in which case the seal is entirely formed by the surfaces 116 and 216 as described above.

    [0065] In Figure 3, the threaded bore 130 is fully engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210. The rounded top end 116 presses against a tapered (conical) portion 216 of the machine's inlet tube 210, thus forming a secure outwardly and/or upwardly oriented seal 116+216. The axial force required to obtain proper sealing, is provided by the aforementioned resilient element that exerts an upward force on the cartridge 150 containing the treatment medium 151. As can be seen in Figure 3, at this level of engagement of the threaded surfaces, the end cap 159 of the filter element 150 is no longer in contact with the depression 140 of the cover piece 169 of the housing 160; thus, it is indeed the sealing surface 216 that counteracts the force of the resilient element, and not the depression 140 of the cover piece 169 of the housing 160.

    [0066] In this embodiment, the sealing surface 216 is in an inwardly angled surface. It may have different shapes in other embodiments, as described below.

    [0067] In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device 100 is completely sealed off from the thread area 130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities.

    [0068] Figures 4-6 illustrate the top portion (including a top surface formed by a cover piece 169 seamed onto a main body 160) of a second embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device 100 according to the present disclosure, in cross-section, disengaged, partially engaged, and fully engaged, respectively.

    [0069] The outlet tube 110 is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, preferably made of plastic, the wall 115 of which is tapered at the open top end 116 so as to form a conical surface.

    [0070] A number of inlet orifices 120 are disposed around the threaded bore 130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal 125.

    [0071] As in the previously described embodiment, the filter element 150 containing the filter media 151 rests against this depressed portion 140 of the cover piece 169, under the action of a resilient element (not illustrated) exerting an upward force (with reference to the elements identified in Figure 19, the resilient element would typically be a spring disposed in the housing 160 between the bottom 165 of the housing 160 and the bottom surface 155 of the cartridge 150).

    [0072] In Figure 4, the threaded bore 130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface of the machine's inlet tube 210. The illustrated portion of the fluid treatment device 100 is composed of a standard metal end cap 159 and a molded plastic part 102 that includes the outlet tube 110. This way of adapting the can end necessitates an additional seal to separate the dirty side from the clean side; this additional seal may take the form of an 0-ring 103.

    [0073] To ensure proper alignment of the plastic part 102 relative to the cover piece 169 carrying the threaded bore 130, one or more centering grooves 104 may be provided on the plastic part 102 to cooperate with one or more corresponding downward protrusions of the cover piece 169.

    [0074] In Figure 5, the threaded bore 130 is partially engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210. The wall 115 of the substantially cylindrical tube 110 lies against the inner surface 215 of the machine's inlet tube 210. The tapered top end 116 contacts a correspondingly tapered (conical) portion 216 of the machine's inlet tube 210, thus forming an initial seal 116+216 having an axial and a radial component.

    [0075] In Figure 6, the threaded bore 130 is fully engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210. The tapered top end 116 presses against a correspondingly tapered (conical) portion 216 of the machine's inlet tube 210, thus forming a secure seal 116+216 having an axial and a radial component. The axial force required to obtain proper sealing, is provided by the aforementioned resilient element that exerts an upward force on the filter element 150. As can be seen in Figure 6, at this level of engagement of the threaded surfaces, the end cap 159 is no longer in contact with the depressed portion 140 of the end cover 169 of the housing 160; thus, it is indeed the sealing surface 216 that counteracts the force of the resilient element, and not the depression 140 of the end cover 169.

    [0076] In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device is completely sealed off from the thread area 130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities.

    [0077] Figures 7-9 illustrate the top portion (including a top surface formed by a cover piece 169 seamed onto a main body 160) of a third embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device 100 according to the present disclosure, in cross-section, disengaged, partially engaged, and fully engaged, respectively.

    [0078] The outlet tube 110 is formed as a frustoconical tube, preferably made of plastic.

    [0079] A number of inlet orifices 120 are disposed around the threaded bore 130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal 125.

    [0080] As in the previously described embodiment, the filter element 150 containing the filter media 151 rests against this depressed portion 140 of the end cover 169, under the action of resilient element (not illustrated) exerting an upward force (with reference to the elements identified in Figure 19, the resilient element would typically be a spring disposed in the housing 160 between the bottom 165 of the housing 160 and the bottom surface 155 of the filter element 150).

    [0081] In Figure 7, the threaded bore 130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface of the machine's inlet tube 210. The illustrated portion of the fluid treatment device 100 is composed of an end cap 159, with an angle to accommodate an O-ring 103, and a part 102 that includes the outlet tube, which is attached to the end cap 159 by means of a snap-fit connection. This way of adapting the can end necessitates an additional seal to separate the dirty side from the clean side; this additional seal may take the form of an O-ring 103.

    [0082] To ensure proper alignment of the plastic part 102 relative to the end cover 169 carrying the threaded bore 130, one or more centering grooves 104 may be provided on the plastic part 102 to cooperate with one or more corresponding downward protrusions of the end cover 169. Instead of the centering grooves 104, other appropriate means may be provided that act to bring the plastic part 102 into alignment with the end cover 169.

    [0083] In Figure 8, the threaded bore 130 is partially engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210. The slanted wall 115 of the frustoconical tube lies against the correspondingly slanted inner surface 215 of the machine's inlet tube 210, and the top edge 116 of the frustoconical tube 110 lies against a corresponding surface 216 of the inlet tube 210, thus forming an initial seal 115+215/116+216 having an axial and a radial component.

    [0084] In Figure 9, the threaded bore 130 is fully engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210. The slanted wall 115 of the frustoconical tube lies against the correspondingly slanted inner surface 215 of the machine's inlet tube 210, and the top edge 116 of the frustoconical tube 110 presses against a corresponding surface 216 of the inlet tube 210, thus forming a secure seal 115+215/116+216 having an axial and a radial component. The axial force required to obtain proper sealing, is provided by the aforementioned resilient element that exerts an upward force on the cartridge 150 containing the treatment medium 151. As can be seen in Figure 9, at this level of engagement of the threaded surfaces, the end cap 159 of the filter element 150 is no longer in contact with the depression 140 of the end cover 169 of the housing 160; thus, it is indeed the sealing surface 216 that counteracts the force of the resilient element, and not the depression 140 of the end cover 169 of the housing 160.

    [0085] In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device 100 is completely sealed off from the thread area 130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities.

    [0086] In this embodiment, the sealing surface 216 is in a planar surface at a right angle to a remaining portion of the internal surface 215 of the spud or inlet tube 210.

    [0087] Figures 10-13 illustrate the top portion (including a top surface seamed onto a main body) of a fourth embodiment of the spin-on fluid treatment device 100 according to the present disclosure, in cross-section, in consecutive stages of engagement.

    [0088] The outlet tube 110 is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, preferably made of plastic. On the outside of the mantle of the cylinder, a groove is provided, which accommodates an O-ring 117.

    [0089] A number of inlet orifices 120 are disposed around the threaded bore 130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal 125.

    [0090] As in the previously described embodiment, filter element 150 containing the filter media 151 is pressed against this depressed portion 140 of the end cover 169, under the action of resilient element (not illustrated) exerting an upward force (with reference to the elements identified in Figure 19, the resilient element would typically be a spring disposed in the housing 160 between the bottom 165 of the housing 160 and the bottom surface 155 of the filter element 150).

    [0091] In Figure 10, the threaded bore 130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface of the machine's inlet tube 210. The illustrated portion of the fluid treatment device 100 is composed of an end cap 159, with an angle to accommodate an O-ring 103, and a part 102 that includes the outlet tube, which is attached to the end cap 159 by means of a snap-fit connection. This way of adapting the end cap necessitates an additional seal to separate the dirty side from the clean side; this additional seal may take the form of an O-ring 103.

    [0092] To ensure proper alignment of the plastic part 102 relative to the top surface carrying the threaded bore 130, one or more centering grooves 104 may be provided on the plastic part 102 to cooperate with one or more corresponding downward protrusions of the top surface.

    [0093] In Figure 11, the threaded bore 130 is partially engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210. The O-ring 117 of the cylindrical tube pushes radially against the inner surface 215 of the machine's inlet tube 210, thus forming an initial radial seal 117+216.

    [0094] In Figure 12, the threaded bore 130 is further engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210, to the point where the bottom of the machine's inlet tube 210 abuts the shoulder of the part 102 that includes the outlet tube. Any further engagement of the threaded surfaces (i.e., further rotations of the spin-on device, which should be continued up to the point where the axial seal 125 is sufficiently compressed by its counteracting surface), will cause the bottom of the machine's inlet tube 210 to push down on the filter element 150.

    [0095] In Figure 13, the threaded bore 130 is fully engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210. The O-ring 117 of the cylindrical tube continues to push radially against the inner surface 215 of the machine's inlet tube 210, thus forming a secure radial seal 117+216. In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device is completely sealed off from the thread area 130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities. At this level of engagement of the threaded surfaces, the top of the cartridge 150 is no longer in contact with the depression 140 of the top surface of the housing; thus, it is now the bottom of the machine's inlet tube 210 that counteracts the force of the resilient element, and not the depression 140 of the top surface of the housing.

    [0096] Figures 14 and 15 are a partially cut-out perspective drawings of the top portion of a fifth embodiment of the spin-on assembly 100 according to the present disclosure, of a type that is known in the trade as "Duramax". The spin-on fluid treatment device 100 is shown removed from the filter head 200, having spud or inlet tube 210.

    [0097] The outlet tube 110 is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, preferably made of metal. On the outside of the mantle of the cylinder, a groove is provided, which accommodates an O-ring 117.

    [0098] A number of inlet orifices 120 are disposed around the threaded bore 130, and are in fluid communication with the "dirty side" of the device interior. This inlet zone is sealed off peripherally by an axial seal 125.

    [0099] In Figure 14, the threaded bore 130 is not engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210.

    [0100] In Figure 15, the threaded bore 130 is engaged with the threaded outer surface 230 of the machine's inlet tube 210, to the point where the axial seal 125 is compressed by the counteracting surface of the machine head. The O-ring 117 of the cylindrical tube pushes radially against the inner surface 216 of the machine's inlet tube 210, thus forming a secure radial seal 117+216. In this way, the clean side of the fluid treatment device is completely sealed off from the thread area 130/230 that is most prone to containing impurities.

    [0101] The present disclosure also pertains to a system comprising a machine having a treatment device head and a spin-on fluid treatment device; wherein said spin-on fluid treatment device comprises a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, said top surface having a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice, a treatment medium being arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through said outlet tube; wherein said treatment device head comprises at least one head outlet orifice configured to achieve fluid communication with the at least one inlet orifice of the spin-on treatment device and a head inlet orifice configured to achieve fluid communication with the outlet orifice of the spin-on treatment device, said head inlet orifice being provided in a snout with a threaded outer surface configured to engage with the threaded bore of the spin-on fluid treatment device; wherein an outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore in a concentric position; and wherein said outlet tube is provided with an externally oriented sealing portion, configured for engaging with a complementary element of the head inlet orifice.

    [0102] The spin-on fluid treatment device used in embodiments of the system according to the present disclosure may be a spin-on fluid treatment device as described above with reference to Figures 1-15, but is not limited thereto. The system according to the present disclosure may also be obtained by equipping a machine head of the known type and a spin-of fluid treatment device of the known type with an appropriate adapter. A non-limiting example of such an adapter is illustrated in Figure 16. The adapter may be semi-permanently installed on the machine head, or it may be supplied together with the spin-of fluid treatment device of the known type.

    [0103] The present disclosure also pertains to a kit comprising a spin-on fluid treatment device of the known type, and a part to be installed within the threaded bore. The kit thus comprises a spin-on fluid treatment device comprising a substantially cylindrical housing with a top surface, said top surface having a centrally arranged internally threaded bore, at least one inlet orifice radially removed from said threaded bore, and an axial seal surrounding said at least one inlet orifice, a treatment medium being arranged inside said housing to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice and leaving through an outlet orifice; and a part 102 forming an outlet tube 110 with an externally oriented sealing portion, configured for engaging with a complementary element of an inlet spud 210 of an entity that receives said treated fluids; wherein said part is adapted to be installable into said spin-on fluid treatment device such that said outlet tube is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore 130 in a concentric position and in sealed fluid communication with said outlet orifice. Figure 17 provides a partially cut out perspective drawing of a snap-fit part 102 that may be provided as part of such a kit to produce a spin-on fluid treatment device according to the present disclosure by installing the part on spin-on fluid treatment device of the known type. For further details about the part 102, reference is made to the description of Figures 1-13.

    [0104] Figure 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a filter assembly, including a filter head 200 having an inlet tube or spud 210, and a filter cartridge 100. Figure 19 is a corresponding schematic cross-sectional view, showing the filter cartridge 100 including a housing, end piece, and internal filter element.

    [0105] In Figure 19, the treatment device 100 includes a housing 160 with an outer wall. The outer wall is typically a thin metal wall, but it can be non-metal. The outer wall forms a housing surrounding wall and a closed bottom 165, which together surround an interior volume. At an end of the housing 160 opposite of the bottom 165 is a cover piece 169. The cover piece 169 covers the interior volume.

    [0106] Many embodiments are possible. In the one shown, the cover piece 169 has a central bore 130, which is internally threaded. The central bore 130 is sized and configured to thread onto the externally threaded spud 210 of a filter head 200.

    [0107] An inlet arrangement is radially spaced from the central bore 130. In the embodiment shown, the inlet arrangement includes a plurality of inlet orifices 120 surrounding the central bore 130. As can be seen, both the central bore 130 and the inlet orifices 120 are in fluid communication with the interior volume.

    [0108] An axial seal member 125 is located on the cover piece 169 surrounding the inlet arrangement. The axial seal member 125 forms an axially directed seal with the filter head 200, when the treatment device 100 is operably connected to the filter head 200. The axial seal member 125 is supported by a planar portion of the cover piece 169.

    [0109] Still in reference to Figure 19, the treatment device 100 includes a filter element 150 oriented in the interior volume of the housing 160. The filter element 150 includes a tubular media pack 151 surrounding a clean fluid volume. Typically, the media pack 151 includes pleated media. The media pack 151 is secured to and extends between opposite end caps 155, 159.

    [0110] The filter element 150 includes an outlet tube 110. The outlet tube 110 axially extends away from a remaining portion of the filter element 150. The outlet tube 110 can be either the same piece (i.e., "integral with") as end cap 169 (see Figure 2), or is can be removably secured to the end cap 169 (see, e.g., Figures 5, 8, and 11). When removably secured to the end cap 169, there is an additional seal member therebetween, as further described above, inter alia in the context of Figure 4. The outlet tube 110 is in fluid communication with the clean fluid volume of the filter element 150. When operably connected to the filter head 200, the outlet tube 110 extends into the spud 210, whereby the outer surface 116 of the outlet tube 110 and/or a separately provided sealing element 117 (such as the illustrated 0-ring) forms a seal between and against the outlet tube 110 and the sealing surface 216 of the spud 210. Although the top end of the outlet tube 110 is shown in Figure 19 to abut a corresponding surface of the spud 210 in the fully connected position of the spin-on fluid treatment device, such an abutment is not necessary and does not necessarily form an axial seal, as the required sealing is accomplished by the radial engagement 116/216 or 117/216.

    [0111] A method of mounting a spin-on filter cartridge onto a filter head can use the above embodiments. The method includes providing a filter head 200 having an externally threaded spud 210; the spud having an internally directed sealing surface 216. A filter cartridge 100, as variously described above, having housing 160 holding a filter element 150 is provided. The housing 160 has a cover piece 169 with a central bore 130 with internally directed threads; the filter element 150 has an outlet tube 110. The method includes connecting the filter cartridge 100 to the filter head 200 by threadably mating the internal threads of the central bore 130 and the external threads of the spud 210; directing the outlet tube 110 into the spud 210; and forming a seal 116+216 between and against the outlet tube 110 and an internal surface of the spud 210.


    Claims

    1. A spin-on fluid treatment device (100), comprising a housing (160), a top surface (169), said top surface having an internally threaded bore (130) comprising a threaded surface, at least one inlet orifice (120) radially removed from said threaded bore (130), and an axial seal (125) surrounding said at least one inlet orifice (120);
    wherein an outlet tube (110) is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore (130) in a concentric position so as to leave a ring-shaped space inside the bore (130) between the outlet tube (110) and the threaded surface, wherein a treatment medium (151) is arranged inside said housing (160) to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice (120) and leaving through said outlet tube (110); and
    wherein said outlet tube (110) is provided with an externally oriented sealing portion (115, 116), configured for engaging with a complementary element (215, 216) of an inlet spud (210) of an external entity (200) that receives said treated fluids.
     
    2. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said sealing portion (115, 116) has at least an axial component.
     
    3. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said sealing portion (115, 116) has at least a radial component,
     
    4. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to claim 3, wherein said outlet tube (110) is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, the wall (115) of which is rounded at the open top end, and wherein said radial component includes an outwardly oriented part of said rounded wall.
     
    5. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to claim 3, wherein said outlet tube (110) is formed as a substantially cylindrical tube, the wall (115) of which is tapered at the open top end so as to form a conical surface, and wherein said radial component includes said conical surface.
     
    6. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to claim 3, wherein said outlet tube (110) is formed as a substantially frustoconical tube, and wherein said radial component includes an outer surface of said substantially frustoconical tube.
     
    7. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said treatment medium is arranged in a cartridge inside said housing, said cartridge being pushed towards said top surface by a resilient element.
     
    8. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to claim 7, wherein said outlet tube has an ending in a shape that has no cylindrical symmetry, configured to be sealing with a corresponding shape on said complementary element.
     
    9. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to claim 7, wherein said outlet tube is movable in an axial direction relative to said top surface.
     
    10. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said externally oriented sealing portion is positioned, at least partially within the volume defined by the lower end of the threaded bore and said top surface.
     
    11. The spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said treatment medium is a filter medium.
     
    12. A system comprising a machine having a treatment device head (200) and a spin-on fluid treatment device (100) according to any of the preceding claims;
    wherein said treatment device head (200) comprises at least one head outlet orifice configured to achieve fluid communication with the at least one inlet orifice (120) of the spin-on treatment device (100) and a head inlet spud (210) configured to achieve fluid communication with the outlet orifice (110) of the spin-on treatment device (100), said head inlet spud (210) being provided in a snout with a threaded outer surface (230) configured to engage with the threaded bore of the spin-on fluid treatment device;
    and wherein said externally oriented sealing portion is configured for engaging with a complementary element of the head inlet
    spud (210).
     
    13. A kit comprising:

    - a spin-on fluid treatment device (100) comprising a substantially cylindrical housing (160) with a top surface (169), said top surface (169) having a centrally arranged internally threaded bore (130) comprising a threaded surface, at least one inlet orifice (120) radially removed from said threaded bore (130), and an axial seal (125) surrounding said at least one inlet orifice (120), a treatment medium (151) being arranged inside said housing (160) to treat fluids entering through said at least one inlet orifice (120) and leaving through an outlet orifice (110); and

    - a part (102) forming an outlet tube (110) with an externally oriented sealing portion (115, 116), configured for engaging with a complementary element (215, 216) of an inlet spud (210) of an external entity (200) that receives said treated fluids;

    wherein said part is adapted to be installable into said spin-on fluid treatment device (100) such that said outlet tube (110) is at least partially disposed inside said threaded bore (130) in a concentric position so as to leave a ring-shaped space that lies inside the threaded
    bore (130) between the outlet tube (110) and the threaded surface, and in sealed fluid communication with said outlet orifice.
     
    14. A method of mounting a spin-on filter cartridge (100) onto a filter head (200), the method comprising:

    (a) providing a filter head (200) having an externally threaded spud (210); the spud (210) having an internally directed sealing surface (216);

    (b) providing a filter cartridge (100) having a housing (160) holding a filter element (150), the housing (160) having a cover piece (169) with a central bore (130) with a threaded surface comprising internally directed threads; the filter element (150) having an outlet tube (110) at least partially disposed inside said bore (130) in a concentric position so as to leave a ring-shaped space inside the bore (130) between the outlet tube (110) and the threaded surface;

    (c) connecting the filter cartridge (100) to the filter head (200) by threadably mating the internal threads of the central bore (130) and the external threads of the spud (210); and

    (d) directing the outlet tube (110) into the spud (210); and

    (e) forming a seal between and against the outlet tube (110) and an internal surface of the spud (210).


     


    Ansprüche

    1. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100), umfassend ein Gehäuse (160), eine Deckfläche (169), wobei die Deckfläche eine Bohrung mit Innengewinde (130) aufweist, umfassend eine Gewindeoberfläche, mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120), die radial aus der Gewindebohrung (130) herausgenommen wurde, und eine axiale Dichtung (125), welche die mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120) umgibt;
    wobei ein Auslassrohr (110) mindestens teilweise im Inneren der Gewindebohrung (130) in einer konzentrischen Position angeordnet ist, um einen ringförmigen Raum im Inneren der Bohrung (130) zwischen dem Auslassrohr (110) und der Gewindeoberfläche zu lassen, wobei ein Behandlungsmedium (151) im Inneren des Gehäuses (160) angeordnet ist, um Fluide zu behandeln, die durch die mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120) eintreten und durch das Auslassrohr (110) austreten; und
    wobei das Auslassrohr (110) mit einem nach außen orientierten Dichtungsteil (115, 116) versehen ist, der für den Eingriff mit einem komplementären Element (215, 216) eines Einlassstutzens (210) einer externen Einrichtung (200) konfiguriert ist, welche die behandelten Fluide empfängt.
     
    2. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Dichtungsteil (115, 116) mindestens eine axiale Komponente aufweist.
     
    3. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei der Dichtungsteil (115, 116) mindestens eine radiale Komponente aufweist.
     
    4. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Auslassrohr (110) als ein im Wesentlichen zylindrisches Rohr geformt ist, dessen Wand (115) am offenen oberen Ende gerundet ist, und wobei die radiale Komponente einen nach außen orientierten Teil der gerundeten Wand enthält.
     
    5. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Auslassrohr (110) als ein im Wesentlichen zylindrisches Rohr geformt ist, dessen Wand (115) am offenen oberen Ende verjüngt ist, um eine konische Fläche zu bilden, und wobei die radiale Komponente die konische Fläche enthält.
     
    6. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 3, wobei das Auslassrohr (110) als ein im Wesentlichen kegelstumpfförmiges Rohr geformt ist, und wobei die radiale Komponente eine Außenseite des im Wesentlichen kegelstumpfförmigen Rohrs enthält.
     
    7. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Behandlungsmedium in einer Kartusche im Inneren des Gehäuses angeordnet ist, wobei die Kartusche durch ein elastisches Element in Richtung auf die Deckfläche gestoßen wird.
     
    8. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Auslassrohr einen Abschluss in einer Form hat, die keine zylindrische Symmetrie aufweist und konfiguriert ist, um mit einer entsprechenden Form am komplementären Element eine Abdichtung zu bilden.
     
    9. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach Anspruch 7, wobei das Auslassrohr in einer axialen Richtung zur Deckfläche beweglich ist.
     
    10. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der nach außen orientierte Dichtungsteil mindestens teilweise innerhalb des Volumens positioniert ist, das durch das untere Ende der Gewindebohrung und die Deckfläche definiert wird.
     
    11. Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Behandlungsmedium ein Filtermedium ist.
     
    12. System umfassend eine Maschine, die einen Behandlungsvorrichtungskopf (200) und eine Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche aufweist;
    wobei der Behandlungsvorrichtungskopf (200) mindestens eine Kopfauslassöffnung umfasst, die konfiguriert ist, um eine strömungstechnische Verbindung mit der mindestens einen Einlassöffnung (120) der Spin-on-Behandlungsvorrichtung (100) zu erreichen, und einen Kopfeinlassstutzen (210), der konfiguriert ist, um eine strömungstechnische Verbindung mit der Auslassöffnung (110) der Spin-on-Behandlungsvorrichtung (100) zu erreichen, wobei der Kopfeinlassstutzen (210) mit einem Mundstück mit einer Gewindeaußenseite (230) versehen ist, die konfiguriert ist, um mit der Gewindebohrung der Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung in Eingriff zu treten;
    und wobei der nach außen orientierte Dichtungsteil für den Eingriff mit einem komplementären Element des Kopfeinlassstutzens (210) konfiguriert ist.
     
    13. Kit umfassend:

    - eine Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100), umfassend ein im Wesentlichen zylindrisches Gehäuse (160) mit einer Deckfläche (169), wobei die Deckfläche (169) eine zentral angeordnete Bohrung mit Innengewinde (130) aufweist, die eine Gewindefläche, mindestens eine radial von der Gewindebohrung (130) entfernte Einlassöffnung (120) und eine die mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120) umgebende axiale Dichtung (125) umfasst, wobei ein Behandlungsmedium (151) im Inneren des Gehäuses (160) angeordnet ist, um Fluide zu behandeln, die durch die mindestens eine Einlassöffnung (120) eintreten und durch eine Auslassöffnung (110) austreten; und

    - ein Teil (102), das ein Auslassrohr (110) mit einem nach außen gerichteten Dichtungsteil (115, 116) bildet, der konfiguriert ist, um mit einem komplementären Element (215, 216) eines Einlassstutzens (210) einer externen Vorrichtung (200) in Eingriff zu treten, welche behandelte Fluide empfängt;

    wobei das Teil angepasst ist, um in die Spin-on-Fluidbehandlungsvorrichtung (100) installiert werden zu können derart, dass das Auslassrohr (110) mindestens teilweise im Inneren der Gewindebohrung (130) in einer konzentrischen Position angeordnet ist, sodass ein ringförmiger Raum gelassen wird, der im Inneren der Gewindebohrung (130) zwischen dem Auslassrohr (110) und der Gewindefläche liegt und in abgedichteter strömungstechnischer Verbindung mit der Auslassöffnung steht.
     
    14. Verfahren zum Montieren einer Spin-on-Filterkartusche (100) auf einen Filterkopf (200), das Verfahren umfassend:

    (a) Bereitstellen eines Filterkopfes (200), der einen Stutzen mit Außengewinde (210) aufweist; wobei der Stutzen (210) eine nach innen gerichtete Dichtfläche (216) aufweist;

    (b) Bereitstellen einer Filterkartusche (100), die ein Gehäuse (160) hat, welches ein Filterelement (150) enthält, wobei das Gehäuse (160) ein Abdeckstück (169) mit einer zentralen Bohrung (130) mit einer Gewindefläche aufweist, die nach innen gerichtete Gewindegänge umfasst; wobei das Filterelement (150) ein Auslassrohr (110) hat, das mindestens teilweise im Inneren der Bohrung (130) in einer konzentrischen Position angeordnet ist derart, dass ein ringförmiger Raum im Inneren der Bohrung (130) zwischen dem Auslassstutzen (110) und der Gewindefläche gelassen wird;

    (c) Anschließen der Filterkartusche (100) an den Filterkopf (200) durch gewindemäßiges Zusammenpassen der inneren Gewindegänge der zentralen Bohrung (130) und der äußeren Gewindegänge des Stuzens (210); und

    (d) Einführen des Auslassrohrs (110) in den Stutzen (210) ;
    und

    (e) Bilden einer Abdichtung zwischen und gegen das Auslassrohr (110) und eine Innenseite des Stutzens (210) .


     


    Revendications

    1. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100), comprenant un logement (160), une surface supérieure (169), ladite surface supérieure ayant un alésage fileté intérieurement (130) comprenant une surface filetée, au moins un orifice d'entrée (120) enlevé de façon radiale depuis ledit alésage fileté (130), et un joint axial (125) entourant ledit au moins un orifice d'entrée (120) ;
    dans lequel un tube de sortie (110) est au moins partiellement disposé à l'intérieur dudit alésage fileté (130) dans une position concentrique afin de laisser un espace annulaire à l'intérieur de l'alésage (130) entre le tube de sortie (110) et la surface filetée, dans lequel un milieu de traitement (151) est agencé à l'intérieur dudit logement (160) pour traiter des fluides pénétrant à travers ledit au moins un orifice d'entrée (120) et partant à travers ledit tube de sortie (110) ; et
    dans lequel ledit tube de sortie (110) est muni d'une portion d'étanchéité orientée vers l'extérieur (115, 116), configurée pour mettre en prise un élément complémentaire (215, 216) d'un raccord d'entrée (210) d'une entité externe (200) qui reçoit lesdits fluides traités.
     
    2. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite portion d'étanchéité (115, 116) a au moins un composant axial.
     
    3. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite portion d'étanchéité (115, 116) a au moins un composant radial.
     
    4. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ledit tube de sortie (110) est formé comme un tube sensiblement cylindrique, dont la paroi (115) est arrondie au niveau de l'extrémité supérieure ouverte, et dans lequel ledit composant radial inclut une partie orientée vers l'extérieur de ladite paroi arrondie.
     
    5. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ledit tube de sortie (110) est formé comme un tube sensiblement cylindrique, dont la paroi (115) est effilée au niveau de l'extrémité supérieure ouverte afin de former une surface conique, et dans lequel ledit composant radial inclut ladite surface conique.
     
    6. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ledit tube de sortie (110) est formé comme un tube sensiblement tronconique, et dans lequel ledit composant radial inclut une surface extérieure dudit tube sensiblement tronconique.
     
    7. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit milieu de traitement est agencé dans une cartouche à l'intérieur dudit logement, ladite cartouche étant poussée vers ladite surface supérieure par un élément élastique.
     
    8. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit tube de sortie a une terminaison d'une forme qui n'a aucune symétrie cylindrique, configurée pour être étanche avec une forme correspondante sur ledit élément complémentaire.
     
    9. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit tube de sortie est mobile dans une direction axiale par rapport à ladite surface supérieure.
     
    10. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite portion d'étanchéité orientée vers l'extérieur est positionnée, au moins partiellement à l'intérieur du volume défini par l'extrémité inférieure de l'alésage fileté et ladite surface supérieure.
     
    11. Dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit milieu de traitement est un milieu formant filtre.
     
    12. Système comprenant une machine ayant une tête de dispositif de traitement (200) et un dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes ;
    dans lequel ladite tête de dispositif de traitement (200) comprend au moins un orifice de sortie principal configuré pour parvenir à une communication à fluide avec l'au moins un orifice d'entrée (120) du dispositif de traitement à visser (100) et un raccord d'entrée de tête (210) configuré pour parvenir à une communication à fluide avec l'orifice de sortie (110) du dispositif de traitement à visser (100), ledit raccord d'entrée de tête (210) étant muni dans un bec de raccordement d'une surface extérieure filetée (230) configurée pour mettre en prise l'alésage fileté du dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser ;
    et dans lequel ladite portion d'étanchéité orientée vers l'extérieur est configurée pour mettre en prise un élément complémentaire du raccord d'entrée de tête (210).
     
    13. Kit comprenant :

    - un dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) comprenant un logement sensiblement cylindrique (160) avec une surface supérieure (169), ladite surface supérieure (169) ayant un alésage fileté intérieurement agencé au centre (130) comprenant une surface filetée, au moins un orifice d'entrée (120) enlevé de façon radiale depuis ledit alésage fileté (130), et un joint axial (125) entourant ledit au moins un orifice d'entrée (120), un milieu de traitement (151) étant agencé à l'intérieur dudit logement (160) pour traiter des fluides pénétrant à travers ledit au moins un orifice d'entrée (120) et partant à travers un orifice de sortie (110) ; et

    - une partie (102) formant un tube de sortie (110) avec une portion d'étanchéité orientée vers l'extérieur (115, 116), configurée pour mettre en prise un élément complémentaire (215, 216) d'un raccord d'entrée (210) d'une entité externe (200) qui reçoit lesdits fluides traités ;

    dans lequel ladite partie est conçue pour pouvoir être installée jusque dans ledit dispositif de traitement de fluide à visser (100) de sorte que ledit tube de sortie (110) est au moins partiellement disposé à l'intérieur dudit alésage fileté (130) dans une position concentrique afin de laisser un espace annulaire qui se situe à l'intérieur de l'alésage fileté (130) entre le tube de sortie (110) et la surface filetée, et dans une communication à fluide étanche avec ledit orifice de sortie.
     
    14. Procédé de montage d'une cartouche de filtre à visser (100) sur une tête de filtre (200), le procédé comprenant :

    (a) la fourniture d'une tête de filtre (200) ayant un raccord fileté extérieurement (210) ; le raccord (210) ayant une surface d'étanchéité dirigée vers l'intérieur (216) ;

    (b) la fourniture d'une cartouche de filtre (100) ayant un logement (160) maintenant un élément de filtre (150), le logement (160) ayant une pièce formant couvercle (169) avec un alésage central (130) ayant une surface filetée comprenant des filets dirigés vers l'intérieur ; l'élément de filtre (150) ayant un tube de sortie (110) au moins partiellement disposé à l'intérieur dudit alésage (130) dans une position concentrique afin de laisser un espace annulaire à l'intérieur de l'alésage (130) entre le tube de sortie (110) et la surface filetée ;

    (c) la liaison de la cartouche de filtre (100) à la tête de filtre (200) en accouplant par filetage les filets internes de l'alésage central (130) et les filets externes du raccord (210) ; et

    (d) le fait de diriger le tube de sortie (110) jusque dans le raccord (210) ; et

    (e) la formation d'un joint entre et contre le tube de sortie (110) et une surface interne du raccord (210) .


     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description